This is a work I entered in an exhibition. The exhibition required works to be framed, but on the day of delivery and registration I arrived at the venue having only put a nail on the back so it could hang on a cord. As I stood there frozen with embarrassment and a little panic, the venue staff came to my rescue: "Does anyone have a spare frame?" "A white frame would suit this painting, wouldn't it?"
There was still time before registration closed, so I rushed to an art supply shop they told me about to buy a frame. Just before I left, one of the staff said, "Let me borrow it for a moment," and put black gaffer tape around the edges of the painting. "It will stand out better in a white frame this way." Thanks to them, I was able to enter it safely.
When I went to see the exhibition later, I found out that, to my surprise, it had received an award. Not a single other work had black gaffer tape around it, though. Every time I look at this painting, I remember the staff that day, and it warms my heart. The tape is ordinary tape, so I expect it will deteriorate over the years, but I think of that as part of how this work is completed.
I would be happy if each person who sees this work takes its message however they like.
Acrylic on a support. Original size 455mm × 380mm, 565mm × 490mm framed. Created October to November 2022.
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